Final answer:
Sound travels at different speeds depending on the medium's density and rigidity, moving faster in solids and liquids than in gases. Higher temperature can also increase the speed of sound due to increased particle movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The speed of sound is influenced by the medium through which it travels. Sound waves indeed travel faster through denser media, such as solids and liquids, compared to gases. This is largely because the particles in solids and liquids are much closer together, allowing sound waves to be transferred more readily. In contrast, gases are much more compressible and less dense, resulting in a slower speed of sound.
Additionally, the rigidity of a medium affects the speed of sound. Liquids and solids are relatively rigid and very difficult to compress, which leads to a faster speed of sound in these media compared to gases. Temperature also plays a role as it affects the density; warmer temperatures lead to increased particle movement, facilitating quicker sound transmission. However, it's important to note that increased density can actually slow down sound, unless the rigidity of the medium compensates for it.